Drug Raid Nets Two In Dunkirk; Warrants Issued For Two Others

August 22, 2014

DUNKIRK - Two Dunkirk residents are in custody and another two are still at large following a drug raid Thursday.

City of Dunkirk Police and the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force concluded a lengthy investigation into the sale of narcotics from a Grant Avenue apartment with the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of several hundred dollars worth of crack cocaine and a significant amount of cash during an early evening raid.

The investigation also resulted in the issuance of felony arrest warrants for two additional suspects who were not at home at the time of the raid.

Article Photos

Yanira Corraliza-Maestre

Kayla Hoffman

Antoine D. Jones

Shamaar D. Braggs

Yanira Corraliza-Maestre, 20, of Grant Avenue was found inside the residence and charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and second-degree criminally using drug paraphernalia, both misdemeanors. Kayla Hoffman, 21, of Grant Avenue was charged with one count of third-degree and one count of fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, both felonies.

Polcie are still searching for Antoine D. Jones, 35, of 631 Grant Ave. Jones is facing charges of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance (both felonies). Also wanted by police is Shamaar D. Braggs, 33, of 631 Grant Ave. Braggs is facing the same charges as Jones.

During the investigation, police received numerous complaints of drug activity in the area of 631 Grant Ave. The investigation resulted in a search warrant being issued by Dunkirk City Court Judge Walter Drag.

At about 6:30 p.m., Dunkirk Police detectives, agents from the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force, members of the Dunkirk Police Special Response Team and K-9 officers from the Dunkirk Police and the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office, armed with the search warrant and battering rams, raided the residence.

A forced tactical entry was made by the Dunkirk Police Special Response Team and two suspects were detained while detectives conducted a search of the premises.

During the search, officers located and seized bags of crack cocaine, which were packaged for street sale. Officers also seized scales and packaging materials and a significant amount of U.S. currency.

Those arrested are being held for arraignment in Dunkirk City Court.

An intensive manhunt is underway to apprehend Jones and Braggs. Anyone with information on their whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Dunkirk Police Department at 366-2266 or 363-0313.